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Businesses 'struggling with broadband connectivity'

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Posted at 2:46pm by

Broadband Speeds

The quality of broadband has become a highly frustrating issue for many companies, a new study has suggested.

Ofcom's latest research has revealed that 23 per cent of businesses in the UK are struggling with unreliable internet connections, while 15 per cent are not happy with their broadband speeds.

Despite the problems, it was suggested that many firms rely on the internet, with nine out of ten companies with five or more employees using web connections regularly.

Ed Richards, Chief Executive of Ofcom, said telecoms platforms like the internet have become of "critical importance" to many companies.

He added: "Our research points to important opportunities for industry to respond more effectively to the telecoms needs of businesses."

Earlier this week, another study by Ofcom revealed that 35 per cent of consumers in the UK took home broadband packages bundled with digital TV and home phone deals from a single provider in 2008.

The figure was a five per cent rise on 12 months earlier.

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  • Chris Stening, MD, Easynet Connect, 15th December 2009.

    The notion that businesses rely on broadband access is nothing new. As early as May 2008, 71% of SMEs said their business could not cope for more than a day without the internet. With internet -reliant services like cloud computing, VoIP, video conferencing and online backup becoming more ubiquitous than ever in 2009, we would expect this figure to be even higher now .

    But Ofcom’s survey highlights another important issue that we have previously tried to bring to light: that despite not being satisfied with their internet service provider, most businesses still don’t look to change. Our research showed that only one in ten businesses would consider changing providers. Businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to large enterprises, should never have to tolerate poor service. The UK benefits from a vibrant, highly competitive business ISP sector, but if the laggards aren’t challenged by their customers, then service will not improve very quickly.

    Some industry innovators will always push the boundaries and bring the market forwards by example, but nothing is more powerful at instigating change than your own customers.

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